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The present situation regarding immigration is very complex. Although there have been no changes in the actual immigration laws, the President has issued a number of executive orders that can and will impact the way existing law is enforced.

In these pages the Diocese will try to present accurate information on immigration law as it stands today and changes as they occur. Recommendations provided by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network and similar authoritative sources will appear for consideration, however, nothing in these pages should be considered as legal advice. Every person’s situation is unique, and only personal consultation with a licensed immigration attorney or Department of Justice (DOJ, formerly called BIA) accredited counselors can provide legal advice tailored to the individual.

There are people who will seek to take advantage of the concerns of others and accept fees for immigration services they cannot legally provide. It is important that individuals seeking counsel be certain that they deal only with licensed immigration attorneys or Department of Justice (DOJ, formerly called BIA) accredited counselors as ONLY these can legally practice immigration law. The Immigration Program of the Diocese of Davenport has DOJ accreditation and can make appointments with individuals for consultation, but cannot provide any form of immigration law advice telephonically.

What you can do to prepare

Get good information before troubles arise. Undocumented immigrants should make an appointment to get screened by a recognized immigration legal service provider (Licensed attorney with immigration experience or DOJ accredited representative. Only these can provide real information about your personal situation. Undocumented individuals and their families may be eligible for relief from removal. There are multiple paths to immigration, and only a qualified legal services provider can review your particular situation to determine if you are potentially eligible for one of them.

Apply for citizenship if you are eligible: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), says over 8 million immigrants in United States are eligible for citizenship but have yet to apply. Note: the feesfor naturalization will be changing, and in some instances increasing, on December 23, 2016).4

Avoid immigration scams and notario fraud: Be particularly vigilant about immigration scams at this time.

Applications: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the government entity that processes immigration applications in the United States, continues to process all applications, petitions, and requests consistent with current statutory laws, regulations, and policies. If you need general information about immigration benefits or current policies, you can “Ask Emma” at the government website, uscis.gov.

Legal Assistance: Individuals should be careful to obtain assistance from a qualified immigration attorney or legal services provider. Visit the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) website to locate a reputable organization near you. Learn more about immigration scams and notario fraud by looking at the USCIS6 and the Executive Office for Immigration Review websites. More information on notario fraud and how to file a complaint can also be found here.

Learn about your rights in an enforcement situation: If you are undocumented, you need to know your rights before even talking to immigration officers.

If an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer comes to your home, you may refuse to open the door until the officer presents you with a warrant with your name and address on it. You can ask the officer to slide the warrant under the door.

Individuals have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer the officer’s questions.

You can demand to speak with your legal counsel and can refuse to sign any documents until you have spoken with your attorney. But first you must have an attorney or counselor and be able to reach them quickly.

Detailed information on immigrants’ rights can be found in English here or in Spanish here.

Organize your family’s documents and points of contact: If you are undocumented, you should ensure that they are organized and that they gather identification documents, and documents related to any interactions with immigration officials, law enforcement, or courts of law. You should make copies of these documents and confirm that family members or trusted friends can have access to them. You should memorize or carry the phone number of a person you trust and, if applicable, their legal representative. You should make you’re your children also carry a trusted contact’s number.

What do we know about DACA? We do not definitely know how, or if, the new administration will repeal the program. Despite not knowing what will ultimately happen to the program, individuals can still offer the following guidance:

Meet with an immigration legal services provider if:

You are considering applying for DACA and are not a current recipient;

You are considering applying for a renewal of DACA; or

You are planning travel outside of the United States.

Seek support from your legal counselor or sources of assistance they recommend.

Try to Focus on Engaging in Your Daily Routine: DACA and others should continue to go to school, work, and church and continue your daily routines to the extent possible. You should try and not let the future uncertainty interrupt this semester of your studies, your work obligations, or your participation in church and community activities.